Sacraments
Posts

Redemptorist Father Cyril Axelrod, who was born unable to hear and who lost his sight 16 years ago, travels the world to minister and advocate for catechesis "for all people of all ages and all abilities."

Originally from South Africa and a Jewish convert, Axelrod shares with Catholic News Service that he was called by God to spread the gospel to all and that his vocation as a Catholic priest "is to help deaf people open their hearts to see how powerful God is in their lives.” Through his ministry, he encourages parishes and parents of hearing-impaired children to learn advanced sign language so they can help kids grow and express their understanding of faith in a deeper way. He says that sign language, tactile sign language, and body language are "gifts of the Holy Spirit."

One of the many tasks of Sister Dorothy Fabritze's circus ministry is sacrament preparationfor the performers, crew, and their families who travel around the United States.

Sister Dorothy Fabritze never imagined she'd join the circus. But this Missionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus says, "God pursued me," and she's been traveling with and ministering to circus workers for the past 16 years, according to the Washington Post.

Sister Fabritze's faith-sharing ministry often occurs while she and the next act stand by the curtain she's responsible for opening between acts. She sometimes gets five minutes with that act as they wait in the wings for their cue. Mass is squeezed in between shows.

Since her home is on the road with the rest of the circus, Sister Fabritze made the master bedroom in her RV a small chapel and sanctuary for prayer. She teaches catechism, prepares liturgy, and often occupies the center ring with a visiting priest.

Sister Fabritze has support in her circus ministry from Rev. Jerry Hogan, head chaplain of the circus ministry overseen by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Circus ministry is considered by the church to be pastoral care of migrants, refugees, and travelers.

In honor of the Year of Consecrated life, VISION Vocation Guide recently featured Sister Dorothy on our YouTube channel. Check out the exclusive video of Sister Dorothy's #surprisingministry with the circus here or on the homepage of VISION Vocation Network.

Catholics of all kinds—committed, curious, questioning, and confused—will find in the new book 'Being Catholic: A user's guide' resources, insights, and helpful suggestions that are sure to enrich your faith and deepen your understanding of Christ’s Good News and the Church’s Great Mission in the world.

The collection of articles by award-winning Catholic authors is now available in paperback and ebook on Amazon.

The essays will help you "hear of the richness of heritage, the wisdom of teachings, and the beauty of traditions available to Catholics and people of good will everywhere."

The articles first appeared in the annual VISION Vocation Guide, published by TrueQuest Communications, on behalf of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Follow us on Twitter (@VisionVocation) for a chance to win a copy of the book. See this ‪#‎AmazonGiveaway‬.

Elated or Frustrated?

"Religious life ought to promote growth in the Church by way of attraction. The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world.” -- Pope Francis